17 1978 Southern Living Hummingbird Cake Recipe Discover Culinary Perfection!

Published on: Mar 22, 2024

Hummingbird cake is a popular dessert that originated in the southern United States in the late 1960s. This delicious cake, also known as a "doctor bird cake," is named after the Jamaican national bird, which is a species of hummingbird known for its love of sugar. The recipe for this delectable cake was first published in Southern Living magazine in 1978, and it has been a staple in southern kitchens ever since. With its combination of moist banana and pineapple cake, rich cream cheese frosting, and crunchy pecans, it's no wonder this recipe has stood the test of time and remains a favorite among home bakers and professional chefs alike.

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Hummingbird Cake

Main Ingredients: Butter, Flour, Sugar, Salt, Baking Soda, Vegetable Oil
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This sweet and fruity twist on the traditional Beer Can Chicken recipe will have your mouth watering in no time. The combination of pineapple, bananas, and pecans adds a burst of flavor to the tender chicken. The beer keeps the chicken moist while cooking and adds a subtle hint of flavor. Serve with a side of rice and your favorite veggies for a complete and satisfying meal.
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Hummingbird Cake

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, White Sugar, Baking Soda, Salt
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If you're a fan of the classic Hummingbird Cake, then you'll love this variation that incorporates it into a Beer Can Chicken recipe. The chicken is coated in a mixture of pineapple, banana, and pecan, giving it a sweet and tangy flavor. The beer helps to keep the chicken juicy and tender while cooking. Serve with a side of mashed potatoes and green beans for a comforting and delicious meal.
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This Southern-inspired Beer Can Chicken recipe is a must-try for any barbecue lover. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and hot sauce for a sweet and spicy flavor. The beer adds a subtle hint of flavor and helps to keep the chicken moist while cooking. Serve with a side of cornbread and coleslaw for a true Southern meal.
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Classic Hummingbird Cake

Main Ingredients: Pecan Halves, All Purpose Flour, Baking Powder, Baking
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For a more traditional take on the Hummingbird Cake Beer Can Chicken, try this classic recipe. The chicken is coated in a mixture of pineapple, banana, and pecan, along with a blend of spices for added flavor. The beer keeps the chicken moist and adds a depth of flavor to the dish. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables and a slice of the classic Hummingbird Cake for a complete and delicious meal.
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Gluten Free Hummingbird Cake

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Gluten Free Flour, Xanthan Gum, Cornstarch
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If you're looking for a gluten-free option, this Beer Can Chicken recipe is perfect for you. The chicken is coated in a mixture of gluten-free flour, pineapple, banana, and pecans for a tasty and flavorful dish. The beer helps to keep the chicken moist and adds a unique flavor. Serve with a side of quinoa and roasted vegetables for a healthy and satisfying meal.
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Hummingbird Cake Whoopie Pies

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Baking Soda, Baking Powder, Ground
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Take your Hummingbird Cake Beer Can Chicken to the next level with these delicious and unique whoopie pies. The chicken is coated in a mixture of pineapple, banana, and pecan, along with a blend of spices for added flavor. The beer keeps the chicken moist and adds a subtle hint of flavor. Serve on a bed of mixed greens and top with a dollop of cream cheese frosting for a fun and tasty twist on a classic dish.
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Hummingbird Bundt Cake

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Baking Soda, Ground Cinnamon
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For a beautiful and flavorful dish, try this Hummingbird Bundt Cake Beer Can Chicken recipe. The chicken is coated in a mixture of pineapple, banana, and pecan, along with a blend of spices for added flavor. The beer helps to keep the chicken moist and adds a unique flavor. Serve on a bed of quinoa and top with a drizzle of honey for a delicious and elegant meal.
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Hummingbird Snack Cake with Brown Butter Frosting

Main Ingredients: Cake, Medium Bananas, Crushed Pineapple In Juice
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This Hummingbird Snack Cake Beer Can Chicken recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. The chicken is coated in a mixture of pineapple, banana, and pecan, along with a blend of spices for added flavor. The beer helps to keep the chicken moist and adds a subtle hint of flavor. Serve with a side of roasted sweet potatoes and top with a generous drizzle of brown butter frosting for a savory and sweet meal.
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Perfect Mashed Potatoes

Main Ingredients: Yukon Gold Potatoes, Salt, Butter, Half And Half, Cream
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No Beer Can Chicken dinner would be complete without a side of creamy and delicious mashed potatoes. Try this classic recipe for the perfect mashed potatoes to complement your meal. The creamy texture and rich flavor will pair perfectly with the flavorful and juicy chicken. Top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra touch of flavor.
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Black Walnut Hummingbird Cake

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Salt, Baking Soda, Ground
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For a unique twist on the classic Hummingbird Cake Beer Can Chicken, try this recipe that incorporates black walnuts into the coating. The chicken is coated in a mixture of pineapple, banana, black walnuts, and spices for a rich and flavorful dish. The beer helps to keep the chicken moist and adds a subtle hint of flavor. Serve with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts for a delicious and nutritious meal.
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Easy Hummingbird Cake

Main Ingredients: Crisco Original No Stick Cooking Spray, Pillsbury Moist
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If you're short on time but still want to enjoy a delicious Beer Can Chicken dinner, this easy recipe is for you. The chicken is coated in a simple mixture of pineapple and banana for a quick and easy twist on the classic Hummingbird Cake. The beer helps to keep the chicken moist and adds a subtle hint of flavor. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Why Hummingbird Cake Is a Southern Classic

Bananas and Pineapple: A Match Made in Heaven

One of the key ingredients in a hummingbird cake is ripe bananas. This fruit not only adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, but also gives it a desirable texture. When combined with the tangy sweetness of pineapple, the two fruits create a perfect harmony of flavors that make this cake truly unique. In fact, in the southern United States, where bananas are not native, this cake is often referred to as a "fruitcake" due to the abundance of fruit in the recipe.

Buttercream vs. Cream Cheese Frosting

While some versions of hummingbird cake call for buttercream frosting, the traditional southern recipe uses cream cheese frosting. This rich and creamy frosting complements the cake's sweetness and adds a tangy balance to each bite. Plus, it's easy to make and spread on the cake, making it a favorite among home bakers.

Pecans: The Perfect Finishing Touch

No southern dessert is complete without the addition of pecans. These buttery and nutty nuts add a crunch to the cake and give it a distinct southern flavor. Whether chopped and mixed into the batter or sprinkled on top of the frosting, pecans are a must-have ingredient in a classic hummingbird cake.

The Versatility of Hummingbird Cake

One of the reasons why hummingbird cake has remained a popular dessert for over four decades is its versatility. Not only can you change up the frosting and toppings, but you can also add your own twist to the recipe. Some bakers like to add a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm and spicy flavor, while others incorporate coconut or raisins for added texture. This cake can also be made into different forms, such as cupcakes or bundt cakes, making it perfect for any occasion.

In Conclusion

In summary, the 1978 Southern Living hummingbird cake recipe has stood the test of time and remains a beloved dessert in the southern United States. With its delicious combination of bananas, pineapple, cream cheese frosting, and pecans, it's a cake that is sure to please any sweet tooth. So whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting out, give this classic recipe a try and experience the taste of the south in every bite.
17 1978 southern living hummingbird cake recipe Discover culinary perfection!

Hummingbird Cake

yield: 12 total time: 60 minutes
5.0 Stars (1 reviews)
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Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour plus more for the pans
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • 1 cup canola or other mild vegetable oil, plus more for the pans
  • 3 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 2 cups bananas mashed ripe, about 4
  • 8 ounces crushed pineapple 1 cup, packed in juice, undrained
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans untoasted
  • 1 pound cream cheese softened
  • 1/2 pound unsalted butter softened
  • 6 cups confectioners' sugar sifted
  • 1 tablespoon bourbon
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped pecans lightly toasted

Nutrition

  • Calories : 1110 calories
  • Carbohydrate : 134 grams
  • Cholesterol : 135 milligrams
  • Fat : 61 grams
  • Fiber : 4 grams
  • Protein : 10 grams
  • SaturatedFat : 20 grams
  • Sodium : 480 milligrams
  • Sugar : 100 grams
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